As a 19-year-old about to make her debut at the 2016 Olympics, Doaa Elghobashy knew she would make history in front of a global audience.
Not only was she one half of Egypt’s first female beach volleyball team to compete at the Games, alongside team-mate Nada Meawad, but that opening encounter on Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach also made the first player to take to the court in long pants, sleeves and a hijab headscarf – all reflecting her Muslim faith.
Against German opponents wearing bikinis, a picture of Elghobashy contesting a ball at the net became the focal point for a flurry of reports, comment pieces and social media exchanges.
The debate and opinions ranged from suggestions of a ‘culture clash’ to talk of the unifying power of sport.
“After the match, I was surprised by people asking ‘what is this?’,” recalled Elghobashy, speaking to BBC Sport Africa.
“[They said] ‘it is not allowed. A bikini is a bikini’.
“I can’t play in a bikini because I’m Muslim.” (BBC Sport)
